The new branch design is part of a $70 million capital investment to “refresh” 608 branches and 1,355 ATM locations in six states over the next two years, according to David Hawkins, senior vice president and director of Customer Experience at Huntington.

“We’re trying to improve the customer experience and achieve a level of consistency overall with a greater focus on the Huntington brand,” said Hawkins. “We also wanted to improve the working environment for the company’s colleagues as well.”

The Wernerts Corner branch on Laskey Road remained open during the remodeling with the interior work being completed before the Thanksgiving holiday. The exterior work and new signage was completed for the open house.

“Our customers recognized the changes inside immediately and we’ve had an extremely positive reaction to how warm and customer friendly it is,” said Frank Knakiewicz, branch manager and assistant vice president.

“A lot of people still want to come into the branch to do their banking business,” he said.

The branch hosted a community open house beginning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, continuing with fun activities and hourly drawings for prizes until noon. It included live broadcasts on K-100 and Star-105 radio stations and visit by the Toledo Walleye mascots.

Huntington branches are serving as drop-off sites for the Toledo Seagate Food Bank and Salvation Army Coats for Kids throughout the holiday season.

“We’re staying here to serve the people in the community better,” Knakiewicz said.

He knows this branch and the community as well as anyone since he grew up there. A graduate of Whitmer High School, Knakiewicz came to work at the branch in 1974 after graduating from Defiance College when it was still Lucas County State Bank.

He became branch manager in 1978 and has served customers in the community through its transition to Huntington National Bank.

“In 32 years, I got to know the families, from parents to children and even grandchildren, and help them with their financial needs. This community is close to my heart and I’m fortunate to be here for them and work for Huntington this long,” Knakiewicz said.

“Frank has established a wonderful rapport with the people in this community for Huntington,” said Shannon Loar-Tenney, regional marketing communications manager for Huntington.

In addition to refurbishing its branches, Huntington recently introduced its new 24-Hour Grace program. It provides personal checking account holders with 24 hours to correct overdrawing their account and avoid overdraft fees.

The 24-Hour Grace program is the subject of Huntington’s current consumer advertising campaign on television. All bank colleagues will be wearing the new Huntington career apparel seen in the TV spots by the end of the year.

“It’s one more way that we’re taking care of our customers and our colleagues,” Hawkins said.

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